Shawwal – Fasting on the days of Eid

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said: “Do not fast in these days (Eid) for they are days of eating and drinking.”(Tirmidhi)

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Question and Answer:

Assalamualaikum Just a quick question, a lot of people say that we cannot keep the shawwal fasts from the 2nd of Shawaal as Eid is for 3 days, please advise? Jazakallah

(Question published as received)

It is forbidden to fast on five days in the Islamic calendar i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr (the first of Shawwal), Eid-ul-Adha (the tenth of Zul-Hijjah) and the three days of Tashreeq (three days after Eid-ul-Adha-11-12-13 of Zul-Hijjah). (Al Ikhtiyaar Li Ta’leelil Mukhtaar 1/125)

The prohibition of fasting on the three days of Tashreeq (three days after Eid ul Adha-11-12-13 of Zul-Hijjah) refers to fasting three days after Eid ul Adha (the tenth of Zul-Hijjah). It does not refer to fasting three days after Eid ul Fitr (the first of Shawwal). Hence, it is permissible to fast immediately after Eid ul Fitr (the first of Shawwal) even if it is three days after Eid ul Fitr (the first of Shawwal).